Nepal is known for its culture and ethnic diversity and the vibrant, colourful and vivacious festivals followed by them. Culture and religion is not only a integral part of every Nepali but also taken as one's identity thus celebrated with full heart. In Nepal, culture is not just a set of beliefs and accompanying rituals handed down from generation to generation but it is a mixture of traditions, festivals, faiths and doctrines that have flooded into every strata of Nepali Society and has become the very heartbeat of the nation.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 01: Welcome by our representative at the airport and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa and then drive to Dhulikhel
- Day 03: Walk to Gosaithan for 10 minutes after having breakfast, observe the festival of Janai Purnima and drive to Bhaktapur and stay there for overnight
- Day 04: Observe Gai Jatra festival at Bhaktapur after breakfast and drive to Kathmandu for overnight stay
- Day 05: Observe Matya Festival in Patan after having breakfast and overnight stay in Kathmandu
- Day 06: After having breakfast we will drive to Bandipur viewing river banks and beautiful gorges on the way
- Day 07: After breakfast drive to Pokhara and half day sightseeing tour to Devin's fall, Seti Gorge and Gupteshwar Gupha (Cave)
- Day 08: Excursion to Sarangkot at dawn, visit Barahi Temple and Boating at Phewa Lake and leisure time
- Day 09: Have breakfast in Pokhara and drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Lunch on the way to Kathmandu
- Day 10: Full day sightseeing tour to Bungmati, Khokana and Pashupatinath after breakfast and overnight stay in Kathmandu
- Day 11: After breakfast move towards Patan to view Krishna Janmaasthami
- Day 12: After breakfast drive to the airport to your own destination
Detail Itinerary
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square welcomes you to the palaces, courtyards and temples built between 12th to 18th centuries where the then Kings used to live and the coronations of Shaha dynasty Kings used to take place. You might be amazed with the number of temples and architectural styles that you see in this courtyard. Moreover, you might also get the glimpse of Kumari, a living goddess, whose residence is within this courtyard.
Kumari Temple
Kumari, Virgin Goddess, must be chosen from a Newar community, inhabitants of Kathmandu, with no body marks & injuries who will be replaced by another Kumari after puberty.
Kasthamandap
Kasthamandap meaning "Wood-Covered Shelter" is a three storied pagoda style temple which enshrines a statue of Gorakhnath. It was built in the early sixteenth century by the wood of a single tree which is open for everyone from mid day to mid night but people are not allowed to take the picture of the shrine. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu ,is derived from this temple thus there are many myths and stories associated with this temple which is shared every year in a ceremony with different varieties of food by Newar community.
Swyambhunath
The Swyambhunath Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and is situated at the mound. From this Stupa you can closely look at the settlement pattern in Kathmandu and have a close look at the Chaityas and Monasteries which circles the main stupa of Swyambhunath. This stupa also relates itself to the history of creation of Kathmandu Valley as how Manjushree, a Buddhist monk, saw a huge lotus emanating bright light at the centre of the lake. So he cut a deep gorge allowing the water to drain from the lake because he wanted to observe and worship the lotus where it is said that Swyambhunath is situated. If history interests you then you also might want to visit the National Museum and the Museum of Natural History situated at the foot of the hill.
Dhulikhel
At an altitude of 1480 m and 30 km east of Kathmandu lies Dhulikhel, one of the vantage points for viewing sunrise. This place offers you with the serenity and divinity of nature and also the panoramic views of Himalayas. On the way to Dhulikhel terraced farming style is one of the attractions. If you are fond of short hiking trip then hike to Namobuddha, one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu, is one of the activities that you will not want to miss out on when you are at Dhulikhel. - Janai Purnima
The festival of sacred thread wore by Hindu men; especially Brahmin and Chhetri ; is known as Janai and as it always falls under full moon which is called Purnima in Nepali thus the festival is popularly known as Janai Purnima . People in Nepal are divided into following castes : Brahmin, Chettri, Vaishyas, Shudras and Dalits (casteless people)which defines their status in the society though banned by law it still haunts the lives of Nepali people and this festival is especially celebrated by the so called "upper caste people". A white cotton string is worn across the chest only by men, which is given to them in a religious ceremony called "Bratabandha" which marks the starting of purity of men coming from these castes and to abide by the religious beliefs stated by religious texts. This string has three cords which symbolizes body, speech and mind and wearing them is the process of having complete control over these. This thread is required to change if it becomes impure i.e when the man is touched by the woman going through menstruation, as menstruation is regarded as impure and woman is not allowed to touch men, get into the kitchen or prayer room or to eat with other family members, touched by people from so called "lower caste" and during mourning and celebrating the birth of a child. On this day itself the tie yellow cotton thread on their hands which is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan. This thread is said to protect you from problems that might affect you which is tied by both the men and women from Brahmin and Chhetri communities. After tying the thread both Janai and Raksha Bandhan people feast themselves with Quati (a soup made with mixture of different sprouted beans) and rice. This festival not only provides you with the glimpse of people's celebration but also helps you understand the gender and social structure that shapes the lives of Nepali people.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This durbar square will mesmerize you with the beauty of different temples and palaces. You will not only be able to see the spectacular view of 15th century architecture but also will be acquainted with the palaces and the courtyard of the ancient times. The golden gates, wooden palace studded with 55 windows, Batsala temple, Shiva temple and the National Art Gallery are the major attractions of this square. Moreover, you might not want to miss out the five storied Nyatapola Temple built in 17th century; adding on to its structure are the pair of two wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and goddess's tigress & lioness in each storey making it the most tallest pagoda style temple exhibiting the immense creativity and craftsmanship of Nepali in those centuries. - Gai Jatra was started by King Pratap Malla to comfort his wife after their son's death to give her a message that many households in the country have lost their loved ones. Gai in Nepali means cow and Jatra means processions or celebrations thus Gai Jatra, as according to the Hindu belief cows are the means of transport for dead people to cross the holy river to reach heaven. People here believe in rebirth and reincarnation which is deeply integrated in people's value system and still believe blindly that if you do good deeds you will be born to upper caste and have better life which is the main reason to discriminate and outcaste the people from so called lower caste.
The festival was initiated to show the Queen that people were happy even if they have lost their loved ones thus people wore fancy dresses and even dressed up as another sex and as of whimsical characters fills the streets of Kathmandu. As people are still in the mourning period the festival should have been subtle or sober which is not the case as this festival reminds people to move on with their lives no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem. Thus the people whose family member died in that year come out in the street dressed in different clothes and colours. This festival also marks the occasion where people organize different programs to make jokes, cartoons or skit on the ongoing political and social issues. - Matya known as the festival of lights by Buddhists Newar marks the festival of parade who visit to all the Buddhist shrines scattered around Patan which sums up to around 1300 Buddhists shrines. Men, women and children clad in colourful dresses and participate in the parade with handful of offerings to be made to Lord Buddha which comprises of rice grains, flowers, vermillion powder, sweets, incense sticks and guru patra (gift for the teacher). The one thing which is not missed by any of the parade walkers is the butter lamp which is offered to Lord Buddha which signifies overcoming of temptations and being one step near to Nirvana.
Along with these parade walkers you will be able to enjoy devil dancers or funny mask wearers walking on the streets whose costume is made of rags and worn out clothes who never misses a chance to tease and scare the children who come on their way. - Bandipur
Bandipur is a hilltop settlement in Tanahu District, (Gandaki Zone) of Nepal. Because of its preserved, old time cultural atmosphere, Bandipur has increasingly been coming to the attention of tourism. Originally a simple village in the early 19th century; Bandipur today is a community with town-like features: substantial buildings, with their neoclassical façades and shuttered windows and streets paved with slabs of slate. - Pokhara
Known as the city of lakes and the starting point for trekking destination and the second largest city of Nepal is Pokhara. The Barahi temple in the middle of the big lake is the most fascinating landmark in Pokhara and the reflection of snow capped mountain in the lake is so serene and magnificent that you will remember it for your entire life. With the closer view of Annapurna range and Mt. Fish tail you will feel close to nature and mysticism. The other destinations in Pokhara that you will not want to miss out on are Devin's fall, Bindabasini Temple, Seti George, Buddhist monasteries and the hike to Peace Pagoda which brings you close to the nature and to the different spectrum of life style in this magnificent city.
Devin's Fall
This fall marks the falling of a Swiss national to the stream of Pardi khola on Butwal road which is approximately 2 km southwest from Pokhara domestic airport. When the stream is at full bore the sounds of water plunging over the falls makes deafening sounds but is losing its glory due to the human invasion in this natural stream.
Seti Gorge
The white water flows through this gorge which is narrow and flows through mid town. This milky white water might trigger a question in your mind is it polluted with chemicals? As the water itself is white thus called Seti; meaning white in Nepali. The best place to view this river is from the park in KI Singh Bridge north of old Pokhara to the road to Batulechaur.
Gupteshwor Gupha (cave)
A sacred cave in a distance of 2 km from Pokhara airport is right across the entrance of Devin's fall which is 3 km long. Some places have enough for you to walk past it but in some places you need to crawl. This cave is sacred to Hindus as it has phallic symbol of Lord Shiva, one of the most worshipped Hindu deity, was found here and is being preserved in its original state. - Sarangkot
This hill at an altitude of 1592 metres stands tall at the north of Pokhara overlooking the valley and the Phewa Lake. Sarangkot can be an attraction to you if you want to venture on a small trekking trip as long as two hours or at 45 minutes drive from the lake side, Pokhara. This is a beautiful place for sunrise and on a clear day you will be welcomed by the Himalayan range of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Fishtail and offers you to see the milky lake and Seti river flowing on the north making the environment more serene and magnificent.
Barahi temple on Phewa Lake
It is the most important monument in Pokhara which no one wants to miss out on. It is placed in the middle of the Lake dedicated to the manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female power. Devotees flock into this temple to pay homage to the female force and offer animals to the goddess. Devotees are also seen feeding fishes of the lake who gather at the surroundings of the temple. You can also view the magnificent scenery of reflection of Mt. Fishtail in the lake. -
Day 09 : Have breakfast in Pokhara and drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Lunch on the way to Kathmandu
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Day 10: Full day sightseeing tour to Bungmati, Khokana and Pashupatinath after breakfast and overnight stay in Kathmandu
- Bungmati
Just 10 km away towards the south of Kathmandu in Patan lies Bungmati. Still studded with charm and mysticism of rural life this place provides you with the opportunity to interact with local rural people and to observe the rural life style though within the vicinity of urban life. The culture and traditions and the wooden carvings are the attractions that you might want to pamper your eyes, mind and soul.
Khokana
A traditional Newari village towards 8km south of Kathmandu lies Khokana who offers you to view its traditional history and culture. Though very near from Kathmandu the hustle and bustle of city life has not touched its essence thus has been representing its core values, traditions and norms even today. Nominated to be listed as a World Heritage site, Khokana stands unique today for mustard oil seed industry.
Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath, one of the holiest temple of Hindu deities Lord Shiva, has a golden roof and silver doors and is built in pagoda style. The temple is in the mid of green forest and the river Bagmati on whose bank Hindus are cremated is flowing on its side. People except Hindu are not allowed to enter the main courtyard of the temple but can be viewed from the eastern bank of the river. It is the centre of the Hindu pilgrimage and annually thousands of devotees flock into the temple during Shivaratri and Teej which occurs in the month of March and August respectively. - Patan City
Patan Durbar Square is an enchanting melange of Palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the centre of Patan's religious and social life. A museum full of bronze statues and religious monuments is one of the fascinating places to visit within Patan Durbar Square. A temple entirely built by stone in the 17th century in the name of Hindu deity Krishna, is one of the major attraction of Patan Durbar Square.
Krishna Mandir
Krishna Janmashtami, a festival which is celebrated as the birthday of Hindu god Krishna, is celebrated all over the country. On this auspicious occasion, the head-of-the state, visits Krishna Mandir (temple) to offer prayers to the temple. He is said to be the one who commemorated Mahabharata, a great Hindu mythology, and the one who initiated Gita, the most read Hindu religious document. People song religious songs, dance and offer milk products in the temple.
Day 01: Welcome by our representative at the airport and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa and then drive to Dhulikhel
Day 03: Walk to Gosaithan for 10 minutes after having breakfast, observe the festival of Janai Purnima and drive to Bhaktapur and stay there for overnight
Day 04: Observe Gai Jatra festival at Bhaktapur after breakfast and drive to Kathmandu for overnight stay
Day 05: Observe Matya Festival in Patan after having breakfast and overnight stay in Kathmandu
Day 06: After having breakfast we will drive to Bandipur viewing river banks and beautiful gorges on the way
Day 07: After breakfast drive to Pokhara and half day sightseeing tour to Devin's fall, Seti Gorge and Gupteshwar Gupha (Cave)
Day 08: Excursion to Sarangkot at dawn, visit Barahi Temple and Boating at Phewa Lake and leisure time
Day 11: After breakfast move towards Patan to view Krishna Janmaasthami
Day 12 : After breakfast drive to the airport to your own destination
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Overnight in Kathmandu, Dhulikhel, Bandipur and Pokhara with Breakfast.
- Guided sightseeing tours and excursion.
- Entrance fees to the monuments and cities.
- All transfer by private vehicles as per program.
Cost Excludes
- Nepal entry Visa Fees.
- Lunch and Dinner in all places.
- Beverage and Tips.
- Any cost occurred due to landslide, political disorder or natural calamities, flight cancellation or any unforeseen reason, etc.
- Any services not included in cost include section.
Map of Nepal
Trip Short List
Trip Fact
- Duration:12 Days:
- Destination:Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel, Bandipur and Pokhara.
- Grade:
Easy: This tour may leads upto altitude of 2000 mtr.
- Activity: Tour
- Season:11 Aug to 22 Aug
- Group Size:2-21 pax
- Trip Start From:Kathmandu
- Trip Ends at:Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
- Guided in Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel, Bandipur, Pokhara with festival celebration and sightseeing.
- Excursion to Gosaisthan in Dhulikhel and Sunrise tour to Sarangkot.
- Visit Typical Newari Village in Kathmandu Valley.
- Country sides drive Kathmandu, Dhulikhel, Bandipur, Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Quick Enquire
Festival Tour Gallery
Other Similar Trips
Contact Details
P.O Box 2165 Lal Durbar, Kamaladi
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-1-4423641, 4437435
Fax: 977-1-4422682
E-Mail: euroasia@mail.com.np
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